100% Home-Grown – Program #17

In this episode of 100% Home-Grown we celebrate National Poetry Month which honours Australian poetry, poets and publishers. 

The  aim is to increase access, awareness and visibility of poetry in all its forms and for all audiences.  This August, Poetry Month features a blazing line-up of poetic celebrations and events across Australia and also hosts ways that everyone can get involved ….from poems and writing prompts to online workshops, prizes and residencies.  That’s regardless of if you are a seasoned poet lover or even an unversed.

To quote Mahmoud Darwish: …….”Poetry and beauty are always making peace. When you read something beautiful you find coexistence; it breaks walls down.” —

And Lawrence Ferlinghetti wrote: “Poetry is eternal graffiti written in the heart of everyone.” —

I particularly like Robert Frost’s quote that “ Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat.” —

 To celebrate National Poetry Month, I’m chatting with prolifically published writer and poet, Andrew. Kawaba.

Andrew is of Anglo-Ghanaian heritage and is a writer and teacher who has lived in the UK, Japan and now Australia.  His work explores and challenges liminal landscapes, complex identities and the social constructs of race. 

There is a long list of the who’s who of publishing houses that have featured Andrew’s work in numerous books and publications worldwide, In fact, I counted 39 of them.  

Specifically though, his debut novella Nicked Names , was published by RoseyRavelston Books in July 2022 and his debut collection ‘Childish Recollections’ is also soon be published by The Black Spring Press Group.

In the interview, I explore the fact that Andrew’s work is influenced by music. 

Don’t miss this episode of 100% Home-Grown across the Community Radio Network on Highland FM 107.1

100% Home-Grown is recorded and produced in the studios of Highland FM 107.1 for the Community Radio Network with the support of the Community Broadcasting Foundation.

100% Home-Grown  – Across the Community Radio Network
Every Sunday between 4 and 5pm on Highland FM 107.1